Reminder from the egg-spert

Biosecurity in the backyard is an important part of keeping chickens healthy.

HAPPY HENS: Simple things will keep chooks healthy. Picture: mike knott

A REFRESHER on biosecurity for owners of the humble backyard chicken is well past due, according to the nation's peak body for eggs.

Eggs Australia managing director Rowan McMonnies recently released new info on health risks for birds in a domestic setting, and ways to reduce risks.

He said backyard owners need to understand certain responsibilities that come with the hen house.

"Anecdotally, there has been an increase in people keeping backyard hens, and egg farmers understand the attraction,” he said.

"People need to realise that once you're a 'suburban egg farmer', there are important biosecurity risks to protect against.

"Strains of avian influenza can occur naturally in populations of wild birds, and if a wild duck comes into contact with a domestic hen, the virus can be transferred.

"It is understandable that people think backyard farming is clean and natural, but these set-ups can pose significant problems because of how accessible they are to wild animals.”

When it comes to chook care, a few simple tips can keep the home flock in tip-top shape.

Ensure that wild birds can not access the chickens' feed or water

Keep other domestic animals well away from the coop

Provide a secure, rodent-proof enclosure

Originally published as Reminder from the egg-spert